The Title Defense Begins: Revs Bring Back Thurman and Richardson
Published on January 27, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
York Revolution News Release
(York, Pa.): York Revolution manager Andy Etchebarren has announced his first two signings for the 2011 season, locking up right-handed pitchers Corey Thurman and Jason Richardson to signed contracts. The two returnees were part of a Revolution pitching staff that posted a 3.25 playoff ERA, helping lead the Revs to their first Atlantic League championship last October.
The 2011 season will be the fourth in a Revolution uniform for the fan-favorite Thurman, making him the longest tenured player in team history. A year-round York resident, Thurman enters his fourth season as the Revolution's all-time career leader in wins (25), starts (70), strikeouts (286), and innings pitched (381.2). Last year, the former big leaguer went 10-8 with a 4.56 ERA in 26 appearances, 25 of which were starts. His ERA ranked in the top 10 in the league, and it was the second time in three seasons with the Revs he had posted double-digit wins, having racked up 11 victories for the 2008 playoff team. Thurman, who pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 and 2003, held opponents to just a .250 batting average last season, and struck out 100 batters while walking only 45.
"I'm pretty pumped," said Thurman. "I'm looking forward to this season. I've never actually gone back to a level where we had to repeat as champions. I'm looking forward to coming back out here with everyone gunning for us... I'm going to look at it as, be hungrier this year. You can't just sit up there and be satisfied and content. I know for a fact that I'm not that way, and the team's not that way, so we're looking forward to getting out there and doing what we need to do."
Richardson returns after appearing in 61 games out of the Revolution bullpen a year ago. A former Twins, Braves, and Red Sox prospect with Triple-A time, Richardson compiled three wins and one save, while ringing up a 4.61 ERA. His 63 strikeouts in 70.1 innings established a new club record for most strikeouts by a reliever in Revs history. The championship was his second in the Atlantic League, having also won a ring with Somerset in 2008.
"I had a great experience from day one," said Richardson, when asked of his time in York last year. "I had a great host family. we have great fans, good crowds every night, everybody's excited about the team. good teammates, good coaching staff. Everything was just about as good as it could get."
The defending champs will open their title defense when they host the Camden Riversharks on Opening Night at Sovereign Bank Stadium, Friday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Atlantic League Stories from January 27, 2011
- The Title Defense Begins: Revs Bring Back Thurman and Richardson - York Revolution
- Stu Pendous Announces Retirement, Search for New Revs On-Field Host Begins - York Revolution
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